FG unveils ambitious transport, marine overhaul to drive economic growth

FG unveils ambitious transport, marine overhaul to drive economic growth

 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s transport and marine sectors through a bold infrastructure drive, strategic policy reforms, and manpower development initiatives.

 

Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Transport Sector Summit in Ikeja, Lagos, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, outlined a series of transformative projects aimed at unlocking the country’s economic potential and improving connectivity nationwide.

 

Organised by the Transport Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN), the summit had as its theme: “Driving the Transport Logistics Value Chains for Economic Growth.”

Alkali: Transport Reforms Reshaping Mobility

Transportation Minister Alkali praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising transport reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, crediting the administration for laying the foundation of a safer, more integrated, and efficient transport system.

“The President has provided clear direction and commitment to making public transportation efficient, safe, integrated, and affordable,” Alkali said. “This administration is already reshaping Nigeria’s mobility landscape.”

Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, the minister described ongoing railway projects as “critical to unlocking the nation’s economic potential and driving inclusive growth.”

 

Alkali highlighted progress on key rail projects, including:

 

The Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line, with the Port Harcourt–Aba segment completed and operational.

 

The Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi lines, which have now reached over 50% and 60% execution levels, respectively—up from just 5–15% when the administration took office.

 

He also announced plans for a High-Speed Rail network connecting Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt—envisioned to revolutionise long-distance travel in Nigeria.

 

“At the current pace, the Kano–Maradi line will reach Katsina by December 2025 and be fully completed by March 2027,” Alkali revealed.

 

Oyetola: New Marine Policy to Drive Investment and Integration

 

Speaking on behalf of Minister Oyetola, Dr. Mercy Ilori, Director of Maritime Services at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, unveiled a new National Marine and Blue Economy Policy designed to:

 

Cut logistics costs,

 

Boost trade competitiveness, and

 

Attract private sector investment.

 

The policy emphasises intermodal integration, linking road, rail, barge, and pipelines to transform Nigeria into a logistics hub for West and Central Africa.

 

“We are lowering the cost of doing business, improving turnaround times, and creating an enabling environment for private capital,” Oyetola said. “This positions Nigeria as a preferred logistics destination in Africa.”

 

Ongoing Projects and Strategic Interventions

 

The Marine and Blue Economy Ministry also highlighted several projects already making an impact:

Operationalisation of the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge rail for cargo evacuation,

Expansion of barge operations at Lagos and Onne ports,

Completion of the Apapa–Oshodi Expressway,

Commissioning of the 27km Lekki Port Access Road,

Development of inland dry ports in Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, and Funtua to decongest seaports and spur regional growth.

Oyetola emphasized that success hinges on collaboration among stakeholders, including shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, investors, and regulators.

He also stressed the need for digitalisation, green logistics, and climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness.

Calls for Reform and Innovation

Earlier in his welcome address, TCAN Chairman Mr. Tola Adenubi warned that Nigeria’s transport ecosystem remains dangerously skewed, with over-dependence on road transport contributing to deteriorating highways and avoidable safety risks.

“At 65, Nigeria still lacks a comprehensive national transport protocol,” Adenubi lamented, citing issues such as frequent container falls, inland waterway mishaps, and underutilised barge systems.

He called for urgent enforcement of the 2023 Inland Waterways Transportation Code and increased investments in safer, multimodal transport alternatives.

The summit drew participation from key industry stakeholders, including representatives from:

LASWA, NIWA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Railway Corporation, SIFAX Group, Dangote Group, CIOTA, ATBOWATON, TTP, Niger Dock, NSIB, NPA, LACVIS, and the Lagos Ministry of Transportation.